09 March 2007
Turkey twizzlers are fast becoming a thing of the past as public sector catering improves, senior MPs said this week.
The Public Accounts Committee praised the range of initiatives to improve the quality of food served in schools, hospitals and on military bases. But it added that the public sector could go further and use its purchasing power to secure better deals.
The March 6 report said more than £220m in savings could be generated by 2010/11 if organisations took steps to obtain more competitive prices, increased their joint purchasing and developed procurement and catering expertise.
PAC chair Edward Leigh called for more 'hard-headed' negotiations with major contract caterers.
He said: 'For too long, the food served in public sector institutions has been institutionalised food.
'Now, all over the country, people are starting to recognise, especially in the case of school lunches, that meals should be healthier, and more appetising. Reconstituted turkey burgers are starting to be consigned to the dustbin of history.'
PFmar2007
